Q & A with Braden Douglas of CREW Marketing Partners

Braden Douglas is a marketing and advertising expert and the founder of Surrey’s own CREW Marketing Partners Inc. — an elite marketing and creative team that produces game-changing campaigns for small and medium sized organizations. Braden is an industry leading trailblazer delivering hard-hitting marketing and leadership advice to audiences around the world.

Click the questions below to reveal Braden’s answers!

What do you love about Surrey?

I love the people. They’ve been warm and welcoming. It’s a great mix of businesses and cultures. It’s truly a city on the rise.

Where did you go to school? What did you take?

I attended Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario and received an Honours BBA with a minor in psychology.

How long has your business been in Surrey?

Since November 2016. We’re new to the area.

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.

I am the founding partner of CREW Marketing Partners, which is a hybrid marketing and creative firm. Our mission is to help businesses succeed through maximizing their marketing department and brand activities. My current role is providing strategic leadership and oversight for the organization, including developing our annual strategic plan, ensuring accountability to established plans and targets across both offices (Kelowna and Surrey), building relationships with our clients, and leading us in our vision to become a brand across Canada.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?

I love marketing and seeing how marketing can deliver results. I’m passionate about helping businesses succeed, which is what inspired me to start my own company.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?

One of the best and most challenging parts of my job is that every business is different, and every industry faces different challenges. There is never a dull day, but it’s an exciting challenge helping find the best route to achieve results.

What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?

When my kids and wife start complaining that I’m travelling too much. The other week I had to think longer than necessary on what grade my daughter was in. That’s not good.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself continuing to oversee CREW as we expand to multiple cities across Canada. Focusing on strategy, innovation, and training will be a big component.

What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?

Age. I was the youngest marketer at Frito Lay and Procter & Gamble. I worked very hard to prove myself and was humble enough to learn from others.

What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?

Success to me means a building a great company that truly cares for their employees and clients, having a great family life, and living out a strong faith that makes a difference in the world.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?

The day I started the company was a big milestone. We had very little money to start and a newborn baby. I knew I had to make this work.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?

Don’t wait to be a leader. Wherever you are and whatever role you have, take initiative to make a difference in people’s lives and to always add value. I talk to a lot of young people who are waiting for a job in marketing in order to gain experience. I believe you’re always a “marketer”. Organizing events and activities for friends, or for volunteer organizations or start a blog and learn the online tactics that are needed for success. Waiting for an opportunity is laziness. Taking the initiative and making progress towards a goal is how opportunities find you.

Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in Surrey and why?

I know David Jorge who owns S+L so I’m excited that there’s a location in Grandview Corners now. I also love Sushi and Sushi Castle has this great Godzilla roll that my wife and I love.

Where is your favourite thing to do in Surrey and why?

Going to the beach, golfing, and enjoying sports with my kids is a great way to spend time with people you love and enjoying the sunshine which we all need.

When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?

I like to read, run, exercise, and always learning.

Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?

I really like big cities like LA and New York but also really enjoy a beach getaway with my family where we just unplug for a while.

If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?

Don’t Stop Believing by Journey.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?

Running a health food or fitness related company. There was a time when I wanted to be an actor – but that was short lived.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?

I have enjoyed supporting and working with Surrey Food Bank, Village Church, LeaderImpact, Food for the Hungry and many others. It’s important to support and work with causes that you believe in.

What does Surrey proud mean to you?

It means there’s a responsibility to be the best and give your best for the people and businesses in your city. I’m proud to be here and to help make a difference.

About The Author

The creator of Surrey604.com, Daman Beatty (AKA 'Beatler') is originally from Sackville, New Brunswick. A longtime blogger, visual designer, marketing and communications specialist, Daman loves travel, tech and photography. He has taught online marketing at BCIT, and Brighton College and is also the Marketing Manager for Microsoft Education Partner, CCI Learning.

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